TiO2 nanotubes are prepared from rutile prticles via an alkaline hydrothermal synthesis and the consequent heat treatment at 300~500 ℃. The physical and electrochemical properties of the TiO2 nanotubes are characterized for use as a anode material of rechargeable lithium battery. In particular, the microscale dusts as an impurity component occurred in the purification step after the hydrothermal reaction are completely removed to yield TiO2 nanotube with a higher specific surface area and more obvious crystalline phases. As the annealing temperature increases, the specific surface area is slightly decreased due to some aggregation between the isotropically dispersed nanotubes. Highest initial discharge capacity of 250 mAh g^(-1) is achieved for the TiO2 nanotube annealed at 300 ℃, whereas the 400 ℃ TiO2 nanotube shows the superior cycle performance and high-rate capability.